Immigration Reform 2013: Manufacturers To Run Ads In Several States

A man waves flags during a rally for immigrant rights in downtown Los Angeles.

Photo: Reuters

Efforts to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill in Congress by the end of 2013 might have slowed, but the National Association of Manufacturers isn’t about to let the issue die. Instead, the group will run ads in certain states encouraging voters to call their senators and representatives to urge them to “do the right thing” and overhaul U.S. immigration laws.

“Common sense immigration reform is critically important because it provides the skilled workers [that] manufacturers need, and it is simply the right thing to do,” Ned Monroe, NAM’s senior vice president of external relations, said in a statement.

“With members of Congress in their home states and districts, the timing is ideal for manufacturers and their employees to make the case for reform. We believe that these ads will be an effective component to increasing public support for common sense reform during the dog days of August. We will continue to explore all possible avenues to influence the debate.”

NAM said the 60-second radio ads are part of its grassroots legislative efforts and are scheduled to play for two to three weeks in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. NAM is advocating for reform that includes a path to citizenship for them, similar to what the immigration reform bill passed by the Senate offers. Currently, the Republican-controlled House is refusing to consider the Senate version. NAM also favors requiring undocumented immigrants to pay penalties and taxes.

The NAM ads describe immigrants as hard workers who start companies and cherish their families. They're essentially "good Americans,” according to the ads, which urge the public to reach out to their representatives.

“Tell them common sense immigration reform is the pathway to the American dream,” the ad says. “Let’s keep it moving forward in Congress.”